At E3 2017, we were able to get some hands-on time with the upcoming Playstation 4 exclusive, Crash Bandicoot: N Sane Trilogy. Announced at last year’s event, I couldn’t have been more excited to go back to my gaming roots and revisit with one of the original Playstation icons.

After getting some playing time in myself, I am happy to report that Crash is back and better than ever.

The collection contains the first three entries in the series: Crash Bandicoot, Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back, and Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped. All 3 were released on the original Playstation. This Playstation 4 trilogy is not just a mere port, but rather a complete rebuild. From the graphics, to the sound, to the gameplay, everything is refined and polished to culminate in the ultimate collection for longtime Playstation fans.

My gameplay demo took me to Crash Bandicoot 3’s first level, Toad Village. The initial cutscenes are just as I remembered them, zapping me right back to a “crashing” wave of nostalgia. Thankfully, the layout of the level remains faithful to the original release. Sadly, I made a rookie mistake and missed one of the first smashable crates, leaving me just one shy of a perfect run through.

Crash spins, jumps, and body slams his way through the hazards throughout the level with a polish and overall smoothness that somehow feels better than it did on the Playstation One. The controls are tight and responsive, but there’s one slight improvement made to the control scheme that is enabled by the Dual Shock 4 controller – sensitivity. The height of Crash’s jumps are directly related to how hard or how soft you press the X button, adding a bit of finesse to the feel of the game. I am generally of the mind that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, but Developer Vicarious Visions has done a fine job in enhancing the game to an even higher level of quality than the original.

One thing I didn’t think I needed was a true visual overhaul, but I am pleased to report that the game is actually very detailed. Crash’s fur rustles in the wind. The lush greens feel natural, yet arcade-like. The water I puddled through is responsive to my steps. From the spinning Wampa fruit to the bonus section of the level, I was gushing with excitement from the moment I picked up the controller until the moment I left the session. The only thing more I could want at this point is a direct follow-up to the trilogy with a remastered Crash Team Racing in the coming years.

What’s more, you can also choose to play as Coco, Crash’s blonde haired, pony-tailed sister.

Josiah LeRoy is the Founder of The Geekiverse and one of its biggest Crash Bandicoot admirers. Follow him on Twitter to catch up on all the latest from E3 in Los Angeles.

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